A CRACKDOWN on inhumane puppy farming is planned in a major animal welfare shake-up.
Government proposals will tackle the cruel trade which sees dogs bred in grim conditions.
The animals are kept in cramped, unsuitable surroundings as puppies are churned out for profit on an industrial scale with no thoughts for well-being.
Despite licensing rules for commercial breeders, studies suggest puppy farming remains rife.
Charities warn that up to 80 per cent of pups sold in the UK may come from unlicensed or poorly regulated sources.
A new Animal Welfare Strategy will look to finally stamp it out.
It will introduce rules for checks by domestic rescue organisations.
Other animal welfare measures will include a ban on snaring — the trapping of wildlife with a wire or cable and a possible ban on electric shock collars.
And trail hunting will be outlawed, with ministers insisting it is being used as a smokescreen for hunting.
On farming, the strategy will explore phasing out confinement systems like colony cages for laying hens.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: “We’re a nation of animal lovers.
“This government is delivering the most ambitious animal welfare strategy in a generation.”
Trail hunt ‘excuse’ to be axed
By Noa Hoffman
TRAIL hunting is set to be banned over fears it is being used as a “smokescreen” to chase and kill real foxes.
The alternative method skirts the 2004 hunting ban by ditching live prey and laying a scent, usually animal urine, for dogs to follow.
But the Government has said there is evidence that it is being done to cover up illegal hunting.
It is also believed to put other animals in harm’s way.
A consultation on the ban, which Labour promised before the 2024 election, is to begin next year.
It forms part of a broader animal welfare strategy, due to be published today.
Environment Minister Baroness Sue Hayman said: “In our manifesto we said we would ban trail hunting, and that’s exactly what we’ll do.”
